The painting represents the grass of the Bush onion (yalke) as its spreads creating a flower pattern along dry river beds in Central Australia. When the grass of the bush onion has dried out, the Warlpiri women must skilfully dig out the onion which is eaten raw or cooked in the hot sand by the fire.

The Bush onion is of significance to Aboriginal people who own this dreaming and totem and can only be collected according to law. The women pay homage to the spirit of the bush onion in their ceremonies.

If you would like to know more about the Bush Onion and the relationship with Aboriginal Art and culture, please read the following articles:

• Aboriginal Food
• Aboriginal Women